What's Hot: Compact and lightweight. Requires no power source other than your device. Many iOS specific keys.

What's Not: No passthrough capability (can't charge or sync while in use). No numeric keypad.

Reviewed by Tom Slayton

The Macally keyboard for iOS is a plug and play keyboard that connects to your device via the docking port so it requires no batteries or Bluetooth connection.

Features and Quality

Macally's wired iOS keyboard is compact, lightweight, and includes a number of convenient iOS specific keys such as home screen, Photoframe, video/audio controls, camera shutter, and device lock. It also features full-sized keys, which are very responsive (thanks to their scissor-key switches), and have a pleasing range of movement.

The lack of a numeric keypad is somewhat missed, however, its absence makes this keyboard much more compact, and is likely to be an acceptable tradeoff for most. Because it connects directly to your device, it does not require any power source of its own, nor does it need any kind of a wireless connection. Simply plug the Macally keyboard in and it is instantly recognized by your iPad/iPhone. Unfortunately, it is missing one key feature; it provides no way to charge or sync your device while in use. This isn't a dealbreaker, but it certainly means that you will at some point find yourself having to choose between powering your device and using this keyboard, greatly diminishing its value for those hoping to replace their desktop or laptop computer with an iPad.

Summary

If you need a portable keyboard for your iOS device and hate fiddling with dead batteries and wireless connections, the Macally keyboard may be your cup of tea. Keep in mind, however, that the missing numeric keypad and passthrough port for charging may take off some of the shine for those who need these features.